Divide the field

Lacrosse Defense: How to Play One-on-One Defense

Defenders need to use their footwork and their sticks to force opponents into low-percentage scoring areas of the field. In other words, defenders must try to keep their opponents from dodging towards the middle of the field where they will then have the entire goal to shoot at. When defending an opponent who has the ball at the top of the restraining box, defenders should split the field in half (imagine a line that runs parallel to the sidelines, through the goals). Using their stick and body positioning, they should try to limit their opponent to staying on one half of the field.